The History of Dining Tables

Dining tables:

The table has been in existence since as far back as ancient Egypt though the use and concept of what a table does has changed. Early tables such as those in Egypt, Greece and Rome began simply as a means to lift food or objects off of the floor. The earliest versions of tables were often a simple plank or smooth surface lacking our modern day concepts of legs and complimentary chairs. As tables evolved so did their designs. Tables were often created for a specific function or stylized to the time period they were produced in.

Dining chairs:

As societies developed so did their need for tables. Writing, art and craftsmanship that required one to sit up found a need for tables. As labour refined so did the wealth of society providing a new meaning to the table. Formal dining tables became popular and a range of dining chairs from simple to elegant began to be manufactured around the world. Though East and West cultures viewed dining differently, chairs in one form or another became the standard when eating. Formal dining began in the castles and manors of Europe where tables were extremely long and narrow providing uses during feasts and banquets. Dining chairs started as narrow ridge forms with high backs popular for such events. During modern times the dining chair has evolved into many forms and many new materials and being used to create them from plastic and metals to more traditional materials such as wood.

Dining room table:

Even today the dining room table is still the main focus of most dining experiences. Whether it is formal, causal or quick the dining table serves an essential function in our lives. Most dining tables are traditional square, rectangular or round but do and can come in virtually any shape. Dining table vary in height usually corresponding to their setting (i.e., a high round table and stools are good for a quick bite) but most often seat several people on once. Many dining tables have "leaves" which extend the table to accommodate more diners. Dining tables can be found manufactured in a variety of materials as well usually suiting an individual's taste more than as a necessity of function.